Information For The Application Cycle For

The Class Of 2020

JANUARY 16, 2017 - MAY 15, 2017

UMN PASS
Program for Advanced Standing Students
University of Minnesota, School of Dentistry
August, 2018

Table Of Contents
Program OverviewPage 3
Why the UMN PASS Program......................Page 4
Application Process / Requirements..Page 5
Frequently Asked Questions Page 9
Program Director Page 22
Contact Information Page 23

Program Overview
The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry Program for Advanced
Standing Students (UMN PASS) is a 29-month program designed for
graduates of dental schools outside of the United States (U.S.) and Canada
seeking to practice dentistry in the U.S or Canada.
A total of 16 students will be admitted in the Class of 2020.
Most states in the U.S. require a degree (DDS/DMD) from a dental school
accredited by the ADA Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and
subsequently passing a licensing examination before a license can be issued
(for further details on states accepting graduate training in lieu of a
DDS/DMD degree from a CODA accredited school contact ADA or
appropriate states dental board). The University of Minnesotas Program for
Advanced Standing Students (UMN PASS) will prepare non-U.S. and nonCanadian educated dentists for a future career in the US. Successful
completion of the twenty-nine month (January, 2018 through May, 2020)
UMN-PASS program leads to a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree,
allowing a successful graduate to seek a license to practice dentistry in the
U.S. Candidates should be aware of that states may have different
requirements for licensure and are urged to seek information from the Board
of Dentistry in a state where they plan to practice or from ADA. The UMN
PASS program is designed to facilitate a smooth transition to the University
of Minnesota, provide a successful integration into the clinical years, and into
the profession allowing for a long and successful career.

Why UMN PASS? Here are just a few reasons our students love the program

Smooth integration
The UMN PASS program is designed to facilitate a smooth transition to the
University of Minnesota, provide a successful integration into the clinical
years, and into the profession allowing for a long and successful career. UMN
PASS students are integrated into the second-year class. The students will
also participate in separate lectures and pre-clinical sessions during the first
semester of the program. As they proceed through their third and fourth years
of dental school, they take all courses and clinical experiences with University
of Minnesota four-year dental students.
World-class education
UMN PASS students receive the same clinical education as any other student
graduating from the School of Dentistry. A highlight of the education is the
outreach program, when students spend ten weeks in our outreach clinics in
the Twin Cities and in rural areas. Students will work with the newest
technology, learn to work with a chair-side assistant, treat several patients per
day, and experience opportunities for future practices.
Former UMN PASS students say that they especially enjoy the smaller size of
the program, the great clinical education, the outreach program, and that there
are never any chair issues.
Finally, we are the only school in the country that offers its dental students
the opportunity to take the Canadian Licensing Board Examination for those
who want to practice in Minnesota or in Canada.
Diverse community
The Twin Cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul are one of the most livable
metropolitan areas in the United States. Our community is home to the largest
Somali and Hmong populations in the U.S. There are significant and growing
populations of American Indians, Chicano/Latinos, East and West Africans,
Vietnamese, Bhutanese, Chinese, and Indians.
Learn more about life in Minnesota:
http://www.health.umn.edu/about/living-minnesota

Application Process / Requirements

The University of Minnesota shall not be held liable for delays caused by the
U.S. Postal Service or any courier service. It is advisable to mail your
completed application package by courier service as early as possible (see
FAQ #30). We will notify all applicants that we have received the application
within one week. Any application or parts of an application received past the
above date will NOT automatically be entered as an application for the
following year. Incomplete and/or late applications will not be reviewed.
No new or additional information will be accepted after the application
has been received.
Application material will not be returned.
An interview is mandatory if an applicant is invited. However, to be invited
for an interview does not guarantee acceptance to the program. The daylong
interview includes, but is not limited to, presentations, tours of the school, an
advanced simulation skills assessment, and two or three personal interviews
with faculty members. University of Minnesota School of Dentistry does
NOT request a traditional bench test for PASS program admissions. The
University financial information is distributed during the interview day.
Application requirements for the program
NOTE: PHOTOCOPIES ONLY - NO ORIGINALS OR NOTARIZED
COPIES
1. Official transcripts from previous dental education/Marksheets, and
Certificate of Internship, if applicable.
Copies of both official transcripts and mark sheets including all courses and
grades, and if applicable, results of annual qualifying examinations. If an
applicant does not have a transcript and/or mark sheets in their possession,
they are urged to contact their school of graduation. Please note most schools
worldwide do not issue mark sheets. However, most Indian, Pakistani, and
Bangladeshi schools issue copies of mark sheets upon request. Non-English
documents must be translated. An authorized translator must complete and
verify the translations. Copies of both original documents and translations
must be submitted with the application.
All originals must be brought in the event of an interview and examined for
authenticity.

The dental education must have been a minimum of 126 credit hours
according to E.C.E.s evaluation. In addition to a four-year dental school
education, a twelve-month internship must have been completed. A
mandatory one-year commitment after graduation working for the home
country government in a dental clinic, hospital, or in a one-year GPR
program is also an acceptable qualification.
2. E.C.E transcript evaluation
A copy, or an E.C.E. duplicate of the course-by-course evaluation report.
The documentation must be submitted with the application. We will not
accept documentation submitted directly by the E.C.E. (see FAQ #3)
Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
PO Box 514070 Milwaukee, WI 53203-3470 USA
Telephone: (414) 289-3400

Website: eval@ece.org

3. Copies of official diploma/graduation certificate from an international

dental school, and higher education schooling in the U.S. (if applicable).
Copy of final dental degree certificate or diploma. We do not accept
temporary/provisional diplomas.
If applicable, a copy of twelve-month internship certificate must also be
submitted. Six month internships with a four and one half year BDS are
not accepted.
Diplomas in any other language than English must be translated by an official
translator into English. We do not accept temporary or provisional graduation
diplomas.
Copies of diplomas and transcripts from any degree granted in the US (if
applicable).
4. Copies of National Dental Board Part I and Part II examination
Part I and II of the NDB must be taken in the US or where offered.
It should be taken either as a written test or as a computerized test and within
the past ten years from the deadline of the application period (See FAQ #12).

Please note that it is no longer possible to retake the NDB PI examination if a

passing grade of 75 or above was received at an earlier attempt (see FAQ #9).
Duplicates or un-notarized copies are accepted. Copies should be included in
the application package. We will disregard documentation submitted directly
by ADA. For further information about dates and sites, and registration
materials contact:
The Joint Commission on Dental Examinations
211 E. Chicago Avenue

Chicago, IL 60611

Telephone: (312) 440-2500 Website: ada.org/en/jcnde

5. Copy of TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) examination.
A TOEFL test is required for all applicants. The test must have been
completed within the past three years from the deadline of the application
period, and the Internet based test (iBT) is mandatory. Originals or copies are
accepted. The computer generated result that you may receive before the
printed version is acceptable. Copies of TOEFL results must include both the
front and backside of the form. We will disregard documentation submitted
directly by the testing organization.
The iBT average score must be 94 or above and with a score of 20 or
above in each of the four evaluations (see FAQ #12).
For further information and registration materials, contact:
TOEFL
P.O. Box 6155
Princeton, NJ 08541-6155
Telephone: (609) 921-9000
The University of Minnesota School of Dentistrys TOEFL Institution Code
is 6874.
6. Curriculum Vitae or Resume
7. Personal Statement
8. Two letters of reference

(Addressing your personal and professional qualifications. These should be in

sealed envelope and included with your application).
9. Application fee
An application fee of $150.00 must accompany the application. Make
cashier's check or money order payable to University of Minnesota. The
applicants name MUST be on the check or money order (see FAQ #29).
Please note, personal checks are not accepted.
10. Passport photo
Include a passport-size photograph of yourself with your application. Then
paste in designated box on page 4 of the application.
Applications should be typed or legibly printed in black ink (regular ball
point pen). The application documentation must be submitted as a complete
package. Please do not submit documents in separate plastic file folders,
double-sided, or stapled. Use a full-size envelope; do not fold the application
forms.
The process is rigorous and time consuming. All applicants will receive an
email within three to four days after we have received your application
excluding weekends. Expect six to eight weeks before you hear from us again
(see FAQ #19).
Missing materials
We will do our best to notify you about missing material. However always
double-check your application before sending it. Use the supplied check-off
sheet found at the end of the application form. We cannot guarantee that you
will be notified if something is missing.
American Dental Education Association (ADEA) and CAAPID
ADEA introduced a centralized application system called CAAPID
(Centralized Application for Advanced Placement for International Dentists)
in 2009.
At the present time, the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry is NOT
participating in CAAPID. (See FAQ# 1).
For additional information see application materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you read all of these FAQs, you will know quite well what the UMN PASS
program is all about.
1. Why is University of Minnesota School of Dentistry not participating
in ADEA's centralized application service for internationally trained
dentists called CAAPID?
Most of our applicants have expressed their appreciation of the freedom in a
simple and less expensive application process. At the present time, we are not
part of CAAPID.
2. Why should we submit E.C.E. evaluations of our transcripts? I have
already had my transcripts evaluated by another service.
We need to have a standardized process for admissions purposes, and for
future school accreditations. The evaluation services look at transcripts
differently. Same transcript evaluated by different services may have
different outcomes.
3. Why do you not accept E.C.E. evaluations, board and TOEFL scores
submitted directly by the services?
This is to ensure that we have all the requested documents with your
application. This is in your best interest. Numerous evaluations have in the
past reached us much later than the applications, or are occasionally delivered
to the wrong address, or may not reach us at all. Incompletes applications
cannot be reviewed. Our decision to invite an applicant for an interview is
based on all material in one submission. Thus you cannot resubmit a score if
you retake a test or if you reevaluate your credentials.
If you are called for an interview you must bring the original documentation
(TOEFL, ADA NDB PT I, PT II, ECE GPA calculation, transcripts, diploma,
etc).
4. Is it true what I have heard that you only look at the scores and not
read all transcripts and other submitted material?
Every application is carefully read and evaluated on its own merits. Every
marksheet and transcript is evaluated as well (see below for High School
scores FAQ #7).
No school in my country issues "mark-sheets". What do I do now?

We know that many dental schools do not have official marksheets.

However, most schools in South Asia (e.g. India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and
Nepal) keep available marksheets. Transcripts may be requested from any
dental school world- wide.
5. Why do you have to tell us what point size we should use for our
personal statement? Aren't you going a little bit too far in your requests?
This is also in your best interest. The statements should be concise and not be
much longer than one page. Ideally, the statement should be only one page.
Personal statements that are substantially longer will not be fully read. The
statements are part of the evaluation. Because of this all applicants should
follow the same guidelines. It could otherwise be unfair. Your personal
statement gives us information about you, in addition to what is in the
application form and in the Curriculum Vitae or Resume. Do not repeat
information. Your personal statement needs to be accurate, brief, and concise.
6. I would guess that all applicants are trying to do their very best with
the application. So why all of these rules?
Anybody can make a mistake and if we ask for some important information
twice you may catch it yourself. That is also why we have included the
check-off sheet. It is very easy to forget one little detail. We are only trying
to make changes that will help you and be in your best interest, not to make it
more difficult.
7. Will my chances get better if I submit my High School scores?
We will not evaluate High School scores even if you submit them.
8. What is an interview like? I know of schools that do not have
interviews, so why do you want us to spend money on travel and
housing?
Over many years we have learned that an interview is essential both for the
candidate and for the school. The interview is not just for us but also for you.
You will get a chance to see what our school is like and what the program is
all about. We try to make the interview-day worth your time and money
whether you will get accepted or not.
The interview is an all day event. All interviewees are meeting with the
program staff for a small breakfast and a short briefing about the day's
program. The director will give a presentation on the program, the school,
and the University.

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This is followed by a short break and then the candidates meet with their
interviewers. Each candidate will meet with the director and two faculty
members. Around noontime, a Junior or Senior student will take you on a
30-minute tour of the school. You will have the opportunity to ask the student
guide any questions you like. Lunch is served in the conference room. This is
your time to talk and none of us will disturb you. Occasionally, your guide or
another 4th year student may join you. You will be asked to submit your
choice of lunch sandwich in advance based on your dietary preferences. After
lunch we will have the 45-60 minutes skills assessment (FAQ #48).
The day starts at 8:00 in the morning and ends by 3:00 p.m.(At that time of
day, it might take about one hour to get to the airport).
9. I sat for/took the NDB I more than five years ago. Do I need to retake
that examination?
As of January 2010 it is not possible to retake the National Dental Boards if
you have received a passing grade in an earlier test. Also the grade is only
Pass or Fail. The use of a numerical grade has been dropped.
Because of this situation we will accept NDB Part I or Part II scores that are
up to ten years old.
10. What is the school's TOEFL institution code?
You can find the code number on the website in the application criteria
section. The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry's TOEFL
Institution Code is 6874. The Department code or Profession code is 38 for
dentistry. All applicants need to submit a TOEFL score.
11. I have left a phone message and nobody is returning my call. Why is
that?
Before you call us with a question, you should study our website. The
answers to most of your questions are on the website. Also, we encourage all
applicants or those who only want some further information to use e-mail.
Someone will get back to you usually within 48 hours. During holidays and
weekends, it may take another 24-48 hours before we can get to your e-mail
and send an answer.
If you have left a phone message your call may not have been returned for
several reasons. It is sometimes very difficult to hear the messages and/or
understand it. Your name and your phone number are often unclear. Hence

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we cannot return your call. Therefore, speak slowly and clearly when leaving
your name and phone number.
12. What scores for NDBs Part I, II, and TOEFL do I need to have to be
considered for an interview?
Since 2012 a numerical score for NDB Part I and II are not reported. We will
only see a grade of "pass". With this change, we only note that the Board
exam has been taken with a grade of Pass.
The TOEFL iBT test (Internet based test with a spoken language section) is
mandatory. You will need to have a minimal total score on the iBT test of 94,
and a score of 20 and above in each of the four sections. Please remember
that your application will NOT be reviewed if your score is below 94 and/or
20 in any subsection.
Why are you so strict with the TOEFL score?
An article from 2008 in the Journal of Dental Education by Lisa E. Itaya,
David W. Chambers, and Patricia A. King presented results of a study that
one of the more predictive admissions criteria for success is the TOEFL score
or language skills (Analyzing the Influence of Admissions Criteria and
Cultural Norms on Success in an International Dental Studies Program J Dent
Educ. 2008 72: 317-328). This confirms our strict language requirement. The
better your English communication skills are, the better your chances to do
well are.
13. I will be in Minneapolis next week. Can I meet with you and discuss
the program?
In fairness to all applicants, we do not meet with any future candidates until
they may get an interview. The director will not meet with you for what we
call a "pre-interview" even if you happen to be visiting the school. However
you may visit the university campus but you will not be allowed to enter any
of the clinical areas. This has to do with HIPAA regulations (Health
Insurance Portability and Accountability Act).
14. I have specialty training in my home country. Will that increase my
chances?
It does not automatically increase your chances. But any further education
may be valuable for your ranking.

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15. I have specialty training from the US. Will that increase my chances?
Yes, it might increase your chances.
16. Are Letters of Recommendation needed?
Yes. They should attest to your personal and professional qualifications, and
be submitted with your application in a sealed envelope.
17. Is it only scores that count towards an acceptance?
TOEFL scores, previous grades (and calculated GPA), your personal
statement, and experiences in your new country and home country are the
most important in the initial review before an interview is granted. We are
not paying any attention to the NDB PI and PII scores since they are only
reported as a "Pass". The interview is very important and it is mandatory to
present yourself for an interview if invited. We have included a Skills
Assessment on the interview day. Remember that you must bring all original
documents to the interview.
18. Do you have a bench test on the interview day?
We do not request a traditional bench test. We have for many reasons
included a skills assessment (FAQ #48).
19. I submitted my application a while ago and I have not heard from
you. What do I do now?
We have many applications and it takes some time for the committee to
review them. We try to review the applications as soon as we can and make
decisions on interviews. Applications received in January of 2017 will be
reviewed and discussed by the committee as soon as possible. Interviews may
start as early as February, 2017. Please allow about 6-8 weeks for a response
to your application. Please see the application form and/or the website for the
application deadline.
20. Do you have a rolling enrollment or do you wait until all interviews
are completed and then make your decisions? We use a combination of
both these processes. That means that some individuals may be offered a
position earlier than others. We will not fill all positions before the end of the
application period and not until after the last interview. We do not fill the
class until all eligible candidates have been interviewed.

13

Does this mean that if I am in an early interview group and I am not offered
admissions my chances are gone?
No, your chances are not gone. Applicants that are not among the earlier
admitted students will still be on the list of possible students.
21. Financial Information
Application Fee: $150, non-refundable paid via Money Order or Cashier's
Check.
Acceptance down payment: $5,000, non-refundable paid via Money Order or
Cashier's Check.
Tuition and Fees:
Cost for the 29 month program is estimated at $260,000.00. Excluding living
expenses.
22. If I have been accepted at another school but prefer the University of
Minnesota but I have not heard from you, what do I do?
In that special situation, we suggest that you email or call us and we will give
you the information we have regarding your status.
What do I do if the answer is that there is no decision yet?
We always say: Do not gamble with your future. If you are one of the
lucky ones to get accepted in another program, I would not count on
something that has not yet been decided.
23. My spouse is also a dentist and is applying for your program and we
want to go to the same school. Can we both be accepted the same year?
A spouse will not automatically be accepted if the other is accepted. It is a
competitive program and each person will be evaluated on his/her own
merits.
24. Does the University of Minnesota offer any scholarships for PASS
students?
During the fourth year, PASS students are eligible for the same scholarships
that are available to all dental students during the same year. In addition,
PASS students are eligible to participate in the Student Clinical Incentive
Plan. After graduation, all graduating dentists meeting certain criteria will

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have the opportunity to apply to a number of Loan Repayment Programs.

25. Can I get student loans for the PASS program?
Yes, but only if you are eligible for federal student loans. Those who are not
U.S. citizens or permanent residents, will need private student loans.
If you are accepted, you will pay partial spring semester tuition down
payment in advance to secure your seat. It is important for you to know that
the early down payment can only be made with personal finances.
Student/private loans CANNOT be used for this payment. Eligible students
can apply for loans once they have been accepted to the program. Your
downpayment is credited to your student account, with your loan payment. If
you decide to accept another school's offer, the down payment will not be
returned.
26. Why do I have to pay this money before the classes start?
We request a down payment to hold your seat. If a student drops out late in
the process, we may not be able to replace that student. If we cannot replace
someone who withdraws late in the process, we may face a financial deficit.
That is why you have to submit parts of the first semesters cost before classes
start.
27. I was not invited for an interview. I think I deserved one. Please tell
me the reasons why I was rejected to help me prepare for the future.
Unique education opportunities attract many, applicants. We regret that we
cannot possibly interview each and every applicant. We focus our interviews
on the strongest candidates and we base that decision on our review of the
submitted applications. We look closely at each and every application and
consider a combination of factors, including GPA, TOEFL scores; personal
statements; and applicants' personal and professional experience. This
thorough procedure allows for an effective admission process. We are
keeping down travel and housing expenses for candidates that we deem noncompetitive at this time. It is the profile of the total applicant pool that
determines an individual application's competitiveness.
We do realize that this can be disappointing and a hardship. Experience tells
us, however, that each year brings new opportunities. You can increase your
chances in the future by taking a critical look at your application and start
working to strengthen it. Generally speaking, higher test scores increase an
application's competitiveness. At this time you can only increase your
TOEFL score. Our program's policy is that we do not discuss specific reasons

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why an individual candidate was not invited for an interview, or was not
accepted after an interview.
I got a letter saying, "At this time I was not selected for an interview but my
application would still be under consideration." What does this mean?
It really means that your application was not fully competitive at that point in
the process but it was very close. There are always competitive applicants
who either decline an interview or who do not advance to further
consideration. There are also those who will withdraw after being offered
acceptance. Under those circumstances your application may move into the
group that will be called for an interview.
However, once we send out a decline letter that application is closed for the
year. If I am in this group and I have not been offered an interview, but I
have not gotten a decline letter either, can I retake some exams and submit
new scores before the application deadline? We will not revaluate an
application. That would not be fair to other applicants. Our time would not
permit a process like that.
28. I have already submitted my application. When will I hear from you?
We will acknowledge receipt of the application via email within ten working
days, excluding weekends and holidays. Applications for the class starting
2018 are accepted as of January 16, 2017 through May 15, 2017. The first
interviews may be held as early as February 2017. If you will be invited for
an interview, we will, whenever possible, inform you at least two weeks
before the interview. Interview information will be sent via e-mail.
29. You ask us to put our name on the cashier's check/money order. Why
do you need that?
For accounting purposes, it is beneficial to have the applicant's name on the
money order or cashier's check.

30. Is it an advantage to submit my application early?

It is always a good idea to submit your application early. We advise all
applicants with a visa status (H-4 status is not included) to apply as early as
possible. Since you know how we handle the applications and admissions
process, it is clear that it is better to submit earlier than later. However, if you

16

are taking or retaking an examination you should wait until your application
is complete.
31. I hear that you have a waiting list after interviews and admissions
have been completed. Does it ever happen that anybody from the
alternate list gets accepted?
One might think that if you are accepted, you will never give up your seat.
However, life situations change. Since there are more programs available
today then 10 years ago many students will change their minds during the
acceptance process when other options become available, and withdraw from
our program. (FAQ #26).
32. Why do you ask all these questions about work and working permit?
Over the years we have had several applicants that have worked illegally in
the US, even practiced dentistry without a license and on an expired visa.
Each visa has its limitations and regulations. If a candidate appears for an
interview and is in violation of the applicable visa regulations, we all are put
in a very precarious situation.
33. Do I need to be a US citizen or be a permanent resident (Green Card
holder) to apply to your PASS program?
No, you do not need to have any special visa status or citizenship. Every year
we have applicants with various visa situations.
34. If I am currently on an F-1/H-1 visa and studying/working in the US,
is there something I should be aware of?
It takes time to process a change of visa status, or transfer of a visa (F-1)
from one school to another. Thus you should apply as early as possible to
give yourself maximum time for the admissions process. If you are accepted,
visa requests and/or a change of status or school usually take time. In some
situations you may have to return to your home country and request an
interview at the embassy and then apply for a student visa. (FAQ# 30).
I am on a J-1 visa. Does the same apply for me?
Yes, it certainly does. However, there might be other visa stipulations with
the J-1 visa that might make the situation difficult. Please check with your
employer and/or the state department.

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35. I am currently studying for a Master's degree at a US college. My

program does not end until mid-May, 2018. Can I still get accepted?

The most important time is in the beginning of the program and that cannot
be missed. Also, if you have started another program it is a good idea to
finish it. A degree will always be more valuable than leaving a program
without finishing it.
37. I have just suggested including you and others at your school in
Linked In or in a "Twitter" group. Wasn't that a good idea?
No. That is not a good idea. It is inappropriate and not appreciated. Be sure to
remove our email addresses, if you submit several addresses to any Internet
service of this nature (Social Networking sites).
38. If my application is incomplete will you notify me?
We will do our best to notify you but your application will not advance until
it is complete. We request all documentation in one package. We have
included a check-off sheet at the end of the application material to make it
easier. This is for you to use so you are assured that you have included
everything. We will not return incomplete applications. Never submit
original documents. They may disappear in the mail or get buried in an
archive box. We neither request any originals nor any notarized copies.
However if you get an interview you must bring all original documents for
verification. Finally we will try to inform you if something is missing but it is
not a guarantee. Check your submission more than once before you seal the
envelope.
39. Is there anything in particular that is most often missing?
Yes. We need both sides of the TOEFL form. The backside is often missing.
Certificates of internships are also often missing. Some countries with a 4year dental education have a mandatory twelve-month internship before a
final diploma will be granted. Other countries will grant a diploma even if an
internship has not been completed. Applicants with a 4-year education need
to show proof of completion of a twelve-month internship, government
service, or a GPR after graduation. Please see admissions criteria. A year's
private practice is not accepted. NOTE: We do not accept provisional
diplomas.

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40. I did not get accepted last year and I want to reapply. Do I need to
submit all documentations again?
You only have to submit current year's application form, any additional or
new documents that you have not already submitted such as new scores,
additional work experience etc., and the application fee. However, if you
applied prior to the 2017-2019 cycle, you need to submit a complete package
of application material.
41. I submitted my application yesterday by FedEx and I have no heard
from you yet, should I call you or email you to make sure you got it?
No. We will email you no longer than three to four days after we received
your application, excluding weekends and holidays. If you have not heard
from us after five days, you should contact us. Also, you have a tracking
number so you can look up on the Internet exactly when it was delivered to
our office. Always use the address we have listed in the application material.
42. Why is dental education so expensive in the U. S.?
Dental education is the most costly education all over the world. Education is
costly in the U.S. but it leads to a most rewarding career.
43. Why do the tuition and fees increase every year?
The University is not fully responsible for those increases. As a state
University, we are dependent on the State of Minnesota's allocations. The
state legislators decide on the education budget for the state. Almost all
Universities across the country have to adjust their expenses and incomes to
balance the budget. This is why we have to raise the tuition. We also have to
tighten "our own belt" quite a bit. The most important is that the education
does not suffer. The University President and our Dean have both made this
very clear. We realize that the cost could be prohibitive. We are doing our
best to have minimal or no tuition increases.
44. I have studied in the US for more than three years and I have spoken
English the whole time. I also "passed" the TOEFL examination before I
started my studies. Do I really have to take the TOEFL iBT
examination?
Yes you do. All applicants will need to submit a TOEFL score.

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45. What does "matriculate" mean?

The word "matriculate" may mean different things in different parts of the
world. Matriculation/matriculated is used in this application indicating,
"when you enrolled, or started your studies".
46. Why do you request a minimum of credit hours, and then, in
addition, an internship?
We have realized that an education of low credit hours does not give the
basic foundation to do well when you go back to school in the US. Most
schools with higher credit hours also request a mandatory, rotational
internship or houseman-ship before a graduation diploma is granted. This
elevates your knowledge base and your skills, but it is in e.g. India part of the
pre-doctoral studies. However, some dental schools do not request an
internship. On the other hand in some parts of the world, a new graduate must
work for the government for at least one year. This type of work is acceptable
in lieu of a mandatory internship. A GPR is also acceptable additional
education. Private practice is not. (Internships are required for dental
programs that are four years.)
47. Why do you have a form requesting information about our ethnicity or
race?
This information is voluntary. However, the US Government requests that all
education applications have this form included. We have to include it, but
you do not have to answer it.
48. Skills Assessment. Why have you included it and what is it? I think it
is just another word for bench test.
The Skills Assessment is a brief evaluation of some basic psychomotor skills
needed in dentistry. The assessment is completed on our advanced dental
simulators (DentSim units).
During the interview day, candidates will visit our Advanced Simulation
Clinic (ASC) for less than an hour. We will ask each candidate to prepare an
outline shape on tooth #19 (or #3-6) using a tapered fissure bur. Prior to the
assessment, candidates will be given an instructional session and
demonstration on the how to use the simulation unit. Candidates may ask as
many questions as necessary to understand how to use the units. Candidates
will practice the tooth preparation exercise for about 10 minutes and then the
tooth will be replaced in the simulator and the exercise will be reset. During
the second 10 minute session candidates will work independently on

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preparing the same preparation a second time. Candidates may evaluate their
preparation using the DentSim software as many times as they would like
throughout the assessment with no penalty. Candidates may bring loupes or
other eye magnification to wear while performing the assessment if they
would like.
What will we assess? Candidates will be evaluated on posture, correct hand
piece positioning, ability to follow directions and quality of procedures. The
simulator will give a score indicating how close the candidate comes to the
ideal outline form. This assessment is only one component of the interview
day and is not weighted more heavily than other components of the day.

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Brief Biography
Bashar Bakdash, DDS, MPH, MSD
Director, UMN PASS Program
Dr. Bakdash received his DDS degree in 1968 from the Faculty of Dental
Medicine at Damascus University, Syria. His MPH Degree in 1972 from
School of Public Health, University of California at Los Angeles, and his
specialty certificate in the field of Periodontology, and MSD degree from the
School of Dentistry at Indiana University in 1974.
Dr. Bakdash joint the University of Minnesota as a faculty member in 1974.
Over the past years, Dr. Bakdash held a number of academic faculty positions
in the School of Dentistry (1974-Present), and School of Public Health
(1981-1985, and 1988-1992). He also served in the School of Dentistry as the
professor and Director of the Division of Periodontology (1988-2013), as the
Interim Associate Dean for Academic Affairs (2012-2015), and currently
serving as the Director of Program for Advanced Standing Students (UMN
PASS).
For further information, please go to:
http://www.dentistry.umn.edu/bio/periodontology/bashar-bakdash

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Contact Information
For additional information, please contact the UMN PASS Program Assistant
Ms. Janet Campanaro
School of Dentistry
University of Minnesota
15-121 Moos Health Sciences Tower
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Phone: (612) 625-6950
E-mail: j-camp@umn.edu

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